Air starting arrangement for swash plate diesel engines



Nov. 8, 1949 F. s. STRITE AIR STARTING ARRANGEMENT FOR SWASH PLATE DIESEL ENGINES 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 26, 1946 V iEi f-iiiih H. Jaw" f N v. 8, 1949 F. s. STRITE AIR STARTING ARRANGEMENT FOR SWASH PLATE DIE EEEEEEEE ES Filed Nov. 26, 1946 4 S eeee s-Sheet 2 Nov. 8, 1949 F. s. STRITE AIR STARTING ARRANGEMENT FOR SWASH PLATE DIESEL ENGINES 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 26, 1.946

gvw m to v Frank SStrite Nov. 8, 1949 F s STRITE 2,487,614

AIR STARTING ARRANGEMENT FOR SWASH PLATE DIESEL ENGINES 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 26, 1946 wmw awe/Mow W Franli SStrzlle Patented Nov. 8, 1949 AIR STARTING ARRANGEMENT FOR SWASH PLATE, DIESEL ENGINES Frank S. Strite, New York, N. Y.

Application November 26, 1946, Serial No. 712,417

7 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a power generating unit and has relation more particularly to a unit of this kind of the Diesel type, and it is a particular object of the invention to provide a unit of this kind including a rotor embodying a hollow shaft through which the required fuel is carried and which also provides means for the necessary exhaust and for the water cooling circulation.

The present application is a continuation in part of application Serial No. 494,255 filed July 10, 1943, now abandoned.

The invention also has for an object to provide a power unit of this kind which is of compact and condensed design, of perfect balance and nonpulsating, which eliminates the use of a fly wheel, and which assures effective conversion of thermodynamic heat into power.

The invention has for a further object to provide a power unit of this kind embodying actuating fuel oil spray valves and starting air valves, together with means for assuring the proper operation of such valves and also whereby the operation of the fuel spray valves may be readily advanced or retarded as desired.

The invention has for a still further object to provide a power unit of this kind including a rotor which can be employed to advantage as a power take-off or which can be employed to equal advantage as an electric generator rotor.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide a power unit of this kind comprising a stator including an oscillator disk operatively connected with a series of pistons in a manner whereby the reciprocation of said pistons effects the desired operation of the rotor.

The invention has for a still further object to provide a power unit wherein the rotor is of such design as to act as a fly wheel and wherein the assembly of the unit is such as to prevent a dead center.

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts of my improved power generating unit whereby certain important advantages are attained, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

In order that my invention may be better understood, I will now proceed to describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of a power unit constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention.

Figure 2 is a view, partly in side elevation and partly in section and of a diagrammatic character, particularly illustrating the rotor and its associated parts when viewed from one side.

Figure 3 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section and of a diagrammatic character, of the rotor block and the manifolds associated therewith.

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of one end portion of the unit as illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of the opposite end portion of the unit as illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partly in section and partly in elevation, illustrating in detail certain structural features of the air, oil and water circulating lines as herein comprised.

Figure 7 is a detail sectional view of an air intake funnel.

Figure 8 is an enlarged detailed view, partly in elevation and partly in section, of the adjustable trip contact and starting air contact arm as herein comprised.

Figure 9 is a view, partly in top plan and partly in section, of the structure illustrated in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary detailed sectional view taken lengthwise through a portion of a jacketed water pipe herein embodied.

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed sectional view taken substantially on the line llll of Figure 4.

Figure 12 is a detail section taken substantially on the line l2|2 of Figure 4.

As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, F denotes a foundation or base plate of desired dimensions and which is provided with the upstanding heavy spaced blocks I and 2 provided respectively with the oil chambers 3 and =1 each having in communication therewith a pipe line 5 for communication with a suitable suction pump (not shown). The block I at its inner side is provided with an upstanding pedestal 6 which is aligned with an upstanding pedestal I carried by the inner portion of the second block 2.

Rotatably disposed through the pedestals 6 and l are the reduced end portions 8 of a hollow shaft S. This shaft S is of a length to bridge the space between the pedestals 6 and I and extend outwardly therebeyond and beyond the blocks I and 2 a desired distance. The reduced portions 8 provide the shoulders 9 for coaction with the shoulders IE] within the adjacent end portions of the openings II in the pedestals 6 and I through which the reduced portions 8 of the shaft S are directed.

These shoulders 9 and I coact to prevent undue endwise movement of the shaft S although, of course, other means may be provided. The major portion of each of the openings II is enlarged to receive a roller bearing unit I2 so that the shafts will rotate with a minimum of frictional resistance. Each of the units I2 is held in place by an annular member I4 bolted, as at I5, or otherwise secured to the outer face of a pedestal 6 or 1.

At a desired point between the pedestals 6 and I the shaft S has mounted thereon for rotation therewith a rotor block R of requisite dimensions I and cylindrical in form and'whichis provided'in its outer portion at points spaced equidistantly therearound with the openings I6 in each of which is tightly fitted a cylinder I! open at both ends and which extends entirely through the rotor block R. The bores of the cylinders I! are of the same radii and have their axial centers equally spaced from the axial center of the shaft S upon which the block R is fixed.

At the same side of the block R the cylinders I I are closed by the heads I8, the peripheral portions of which are bolted, as at I9, or otherwise securely but detachably connected to the block'R and each of these heads IB at its axial center is provided with a fuel inlet opening or port 20 and to one side of such port 20 the head I8 is provided with an air inlet opening or port 2|.

In close proximity to the block R at the side thereof carrying the heads I8 but spaced therefrom and surrounding and fixed to the shaft S, is a collar '22 provided with the outstanding and radially disposed spider arms 23 to the outer extremities of which is fixed an annular air manifold 24. This manifold 24 has in communication therewith a pipe line 25 which extends within the shaft S through a suitably positioned opening 26 and then extends outwardly and. substantially axially of said shaft to a point beyond the end of the shaft and opens within an air chest 21. This air chest 21 is in communication through the pipe line 28 with a source of starting air under desired pressure.

Delivering within each of the cylinders l'I through the opening or port 2| of each of the heads I8 is an air delivering line 29 in communication with the manifold 24. 'Flow of air from the manifold 24 to a cylinder I'I through the line 29 is under control of the normally closed and inwardly opening valve 30 which is of the same construction as the hereinafter referred to valve 31 shown in detail in Figure 11, said valve 30 having a stem 3I extending outwardly of the line 29 with its outer end carrying a roller 32 for coaction with a starting contact arm 33 to be hereinafter more particularly referred to. Interposed in the air delivering line 29 is a conventional check or a non-return valve 29 to prevent back flow of air and gases into the starting system.

The manifold 24 has disposed therearoundand substantially concentric therewith a fuel oil manifold 34 herein disclosed as maintained in applied position through the medium of the interposed arms 35 (Figure 3) rigidly secured to both of the manifolds 24 and 34.

Each of the cylinders II has delivering therein through the fuel inlet or port 20 a fuel line leading from the manifold 34 and flow through the line 36 into this cylinder I1 is under the control of the inwardly opening valve 31 having a stem 38 extending outwardly of the line 36 and having its extended extremity carrying a roller 39 for coaction with an adjustable trip block 40 (Figure 9) forming a part of a trip unit T, to be more particularly described hereinafter.

The manifold 34 has delivering thereto an oil line 4| extending within the shaft S through a suitably positioned opening 42 and leading from a fuel pipe 43 surrounding the ipe line 25 but spaced therefrom. This pipe 43 opens within an oil chest 44 which is separated from the air chest I 21 by a dividing plate 45 through which the pipe line 25 passes, as at 46. The chests 21 and 44 are Within a common housing 41, herein disclosed as bolted, as at 48, or otherwise releasably anchored, to the outer face of an outboard bearing member 49 bolted, as at 50, or otherwise secured to the outer face of a bearing stand 5|.

This bearing stand 5I is mounted upon the block I outwardly of the pedestal 6 and has the shaft S dispose therethrough. The housing 41 is formed as at 52, to allow for the mounting therein, of any desired mechanism which may be operatively coupled with a gear 53 carried by an end portion of the shaft S extending within the chest 44. Such mechanism may be,'for example, a fuel pump.

The housing 4'! has delivering therein in desired position with respect to the pump a fuel oil supply line 41.

The wall of the bore 55 through which the shaft S passes is provided with an annular channel 56 with which constantly communicates a port 51 inthe shaft S. This channel 55 has in communication therewith a port 58 disposed through the outboard bearing 49 and which port 58 has in communication therewith a cooling water inlet line 59. The port 51 is in communication with a tubular water jacket 60 surrounding the major portion of the pipe 43 with its inner end terminatr 'ing at a point Within the rotor block R. The

outer end of this jacket lid is closed, as at GI, while its inner end is open and the space between the inner open end of the water jacket 60 and the wall of the .bore of the shaft S is sealed, as at 62. It is also preferred that the wall-of'the jacket 60 be of an insulated type to increase the efiiciency of the cooling system. The water jacket 60 may be insulated in any manner desired but it has been found advantageous to have the wall of such jacket comprise two surrounding and spaced tubular members X, as shown in detail in Figure 10 the intervening space having desired insulation X therein.

Reciprocating in each of the cylinders I1 is a piston 63 with which is operatively connected the piston rod 54 which extends out and beyond the open end of the cylinder I l remote from the head I 8. This piston rod 64 has its outer portion 'operatively connected'through a suitable joint, as at 65, with the marginal portion' 'of an oscillatory disk 66 rotatably mounted upon-an elongated stationary sleeve or tubular guide arm 6'! surrounding the shaft S and having one end portion 61' anchored, as at 68, to the inner face of the pedestal I and to the block 2. The opposite end portion of the sleeve or guide arm 6'! terminates inwardly of the bevelgear 10 carried by the rotor block R which is hereinafter more particularly referred to. Within the hub portion of the disk66 for coaction with the sleeve 6! is a roller bearing assembly 69.

The disk 66 is disposed radially on an angle less than 90 degrees with respect to the shaft S but on such an angle as to have an in-and-out travel during its swing equal in distance to a stroke of each of the pistons 63, so that power will be applied to the disk 66 on such an angle or cant as to prevent dead center.

In the present embodiment of the invention, the cylinders I! are eight in number and the pistons working therein are equidistantly spaced relative to the disk 66, thus assuring requisite power being imposed upon the disk 66 when the power generating unit is in operation. Diametrically opposed pistons 63 move in opposite directions and such opposed pistons 63 successively reach the ends of their stroke.

The face of the rotor block R opposed to the oscillatory disk 66 carries for rotation therewith a bevel gear I of desired radius and with which meshes an internal bevel gear II carried by the disk 66, so that the reciprocation of the pistons 63 in association with the disk 66 will effect the desired rotation of the rotor block R. As is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the gear II, which may be termed the driver gear, is disposed radially on the same incline or cant with respect to the shaft S as the disk 66, and interposed between the rotor block R and the disk 66 and surrounding the adjacent inner portion of the sleeve or guide arm 61 is a thrust sleeve or bearing I2.

The sleeve or guide arm 61 outwardly of but closely adjacent to the disk 66 rigidly carries a surrounding guide plate or bracket I3 having a face I4 disposed radially on the same angle or cant as the disk 66 and carried by the inner face portion of this plate or bracket I3 are the rotor bearings 15 for coaction with the opposed face 16 of the disk 66. The sleeve or guide arm 61 is provided therethrough with an oil passageway 'I'I which delivers to the bearings 69, and also in communication with this passageway 11 is a lubricating oil line 18 which terminates above the path of travel of the operative connections 65 between the piston rods 64 with the disk 66 and discharges into a receiving cup I9 included in each of such connections 65.

The rotor block R is provided radially thereof in its inner portion with the exhaust passages 86 each of which is in communication, as at 8|, Within a cylinder IT at a desired point intermediate its ends and with the interior of the shaft S through the openings 82 in said shaft. The shaft S to one side of such openings 82 has its bore closed by an intersecting septum or plate 83, so that the exhaust passing out from the cylinder ll will enter the exhaust pipe 84 within and extending lengthwise of the shaft S through the end portion thereof remote from the pipe lines 25 and 43.

The inner end of this exhaust pipe 84 is open and the space between said open end of the pipe 84 and the wall of the bore of the shaft S is closed by the sealing member 85 surrounding said inner portion of the exhaust pipe 84. This s exhaust pipe 84 is of an insulated or jacketed type and is of a length to have its outer end terminate within the shaft S at a desired point beyond the pedestal I of the block 2. This outer extremity of the pipe 84, as herein disclosed, is continued by a lateral portion 86 which passes through an opening 81 in the shaft S and has communication with an internal annular groove 88 in the bearing member 89, through which the shaft S is directed. This bearing member 89 is suitably anchored upon the block 2. The an nular groove 88 communicates with an exhaust outlet passage 8911. with which an exhaust pipe 8% is connected.

The shaft S in the present embodiment of the invention extends outwardly beyond the block 2, said extended portion carrying a power take-off pulley 90, together with a flanged coupling 9|, either of which is to be employed when desired. The block R inwardly of the cylinders I1 and to the side of the septum or plate 83 remote from the passages is provided with the substantially U-shaped water circulating passages 92, one extremity of each passage being in communication through an opening 93 with the interior of the shaft S inwardly of the inner open end of the jacket 69 while the opposite extremity of each passage is in communication through the opening 94 within the shaft S in the space between the jacket 60 and the wall of the bore of the shaft S.

The shaft S at a point outwardly of the pedestal 6 is provided with an opening 95 in communication with the space between the jacket 60 and the wall of the bore of the shaft S and with an internal annular groove or channel 96 in the bearing stand 5|. This channel or groove 96 has leading therefrom a port 91 continued by a return pipe line 98 for the water circulating system.

Housing the disk 66 and the parts immediately associated therewith, is a two-part, longitudinally divided bowl-like hood which is generally designated H. This hood, as clearly shown in Figures 1 and 4, has its marginal portion anchored, as at 99, to the adjacent face of the rotor block R for rotation therewith.

At its axial center the hood H is provided with an opening I00 to receive the sleeve or guide arm 61 as shown in Figure 5. This opening I00 is encircled upon the outer end of the hood by the axially directed collar IOI, which collar is divided also as shown. By dividing the hood in this manner it may be conveniently placed in position to enclose the disk 66 and other parts.

The longitudinal edges of the two parts of the hood are bordered by the outwardly directed flanges IOI' which are disposed in abutting relation when the two parts of the hood are assembled and are secured by suitable bolts I 0|.

The outer portion of the collar IN is of increased diameter to receive packing material I02 which is secured in place by the two-part annular gland nut I03, the parts of which nut are seclzured together by the transverse coupling bolts The lower portion of the sleeve or guide arm 61 has formed therein a passageway I64 which has connected with its outer end a pipe line I05 designed for connection with an oil suction pump, not shown. The passageway I04 at its other end opens within the hood H and has connected therewith an end of a suction pipe I06 which has its other or intake end disposed in the lower part of the hood within the annular sum I06 which is formed in the body of the hood adjacent to the face of the rotor to which the hood is attached.

The rotor block R, outwardly of each of the cylinders I1 and upon the hood side of the block, is provided with an obliquely outwardly directed scavenger air inlet port I01 which has communication at I08 with the interior of the cylinder H at a point inwardly of and closely adjacent to the inner end of the piston in such cylinder when said piston is at substantially the end of its outward or power stroke, so that air may be introducedintohthecylinderin a suitable manner to scavenge the same.

While, any suitable 'means maybeemployed for introducing air through the port I03 into ieachiof .the cylinders to scavenge the same when thepiston therein is at thevoutermost limit of its stroke, a meanszis here shown comprising the connection. in the outer end ofieach" of the. passages. 'I0I ofan air collector. or funnel unit which 'is generallydesignated Uv and whichhas its inlet facing in the direction of rotation of the, rotor so that air will be forced into and through the unit .and into the adjacent cylinder immediately upon theuncovering of the port I08.

Each of the units U comprises an inner portion in the form of a threaded nipple 20, which is threaded into the outer end of the passage I01 and which at its outer end is encircled by the col- -lar or flange 20I. The nipple 200 has the central passage 202 therethrough which is enlarged at its outer end as indicated at 202 and within the outer end of the narrow part of the passage 202 are engaged the tapered vanes 203 which areintegral with the underside of a valve disk 204.

This valve disk 204 with a portion of the vanes 203, is disposed in the enlarged part 202 of the nipple passage to function in the manner hereinafter described.

The vanes' 203 at their inner ends are attached to a spring 205 which in turn is secured to the inner end of the nipple in any suitable manner as, for example, by connection with the rod 206 which is disposed across the inner end of the passage 202. Thus the valve 204 is normally drawn inwardly and when in its inward position air may, pass around the sides of the valve disk and between the vanes 203 to flow into the adjaspacedfrom and opposes the *outer face of-the" valve disk 204. Against this seat the valve disk 204 is designed to position to close theouter'end of the passage 202 if, for any reason, there should be a sudden back pressure developed in the cylinder when the piston is at the outer-limit Ofits stroke. Thus the escape of exhaust through the air intake funnel would beprevented.

Within thepassage 2I0 of the funnel is a regulating disk valve or damper 2I2 which is posi-- tioned upon the pivoted supporting rod 2 I3 which 'passes'diametrically through the funnel passage and at one end has ahead-2M to -facilitatemanthe! adjustment of the damper.

The outer'or' large end of the aii'collecting funnel is-preferably covered by a'wire screen" 2| 5.

While the units U are-mountedupon the roating part or rotor R of the machine the valves .264 .will notbe closed by centrifugal force -for .the following reasons. Atthe end ofv Lthepower strokefollowingxthe exhaust of the spentgases, 'air is admitted fromtthe outside under pressure which is needed partly for assisting in expulsion of exhaustgases scavenging and :fresh air supply for compression andsubsequent ignition. The air remaining in the cylinder after the exhaust port the shaft- S-are the conventional ;8I (310588,"15 subsequentlycompressed; to several 'hundred'pounds during the compression stroke with a corresponding temperature rise -.when

reaching the end of the stroke, which'is sufficient to ignite fuel oil at its admission point. Thisad- 'missionvwith the attending combustion generates a gas pressure within the cylinder of several hundred pounds; causing the piston to move on-its power stroke to a; point where the exhaust port 8| is uncovered or opened, allowing the exhaust toescape to the atmosphere against 14.7 pounds :pressure (at sea level).

In engines of.-this type the mean effective pressure is around60 pounds plus. As the exhaust leaves the pressurein the cylinder-will be rapidly reduced to a point where the valve 204 can,--and will, be opened under the combined ram effect of the air scooped upby the moving funnels and the pull of the spring 205. Since the valves donot extend radially outwardly of the rotating body but are directed tangentially tothe axis of the rotation the centrifugal force tc-which they would be subjected would not be so great as would be the case if they were directed radially outwardly. ,Accordingly the springs 265 which constantly tend to pull the valvesinwardly to open position could be made of sufiicient strength to overcome any tendency of the valves to close under the centrifugal force to which they are subjected when the machine is in operation.

This method of air supply gives a super charging-effect similar to thatused in-airplane and other internal combustion enginesand through outside mechanical means. This is needed for operation at high altitudes and for better engineefficiency. In the present engine design the air supply is internal with the engine and the desired quantity can be obtained by adjustment of the regulating dampers 2I2 and the area of the port openings I08.

The peripheral face of' the rotor-block H is provided at spaced points therearound with the generator field pole pieces I09 for coaction with the. generator armatures I I0 surrounding the block R" outwardly of the pole pieces I09 and which generator armatures II0 are carried by the supporting structure III. Associated with field collecting rings II2.

It is not believed necessary to further describe or illustrate the details-of the electrical generatin assembly other'than to state that as herein disclosed such assembly; is of a type to generate alternating current although such assembly could be readily changed in a well known manner for the generation of direct current.

The contact arm 33 is substantially arcuate in form and is of such length-and design, when starting air is used and the arm 33v is in effective position, as to assure a number of, successive valves'3 being open, preferably four. With these 'valves'ail open, starting airwill'be admitted into the corresponding cylinders I! to effect the initial" power strokes of the pistons 63- and after thefirst or'second "revolution of the rotor block the acceleration and/o1 speedof the block R will be sufficient to cause the requisite ignition of the explosive charge, whereupon the contact armx33-is swung into ineffective position ands-at which time the trip contact 40 is brought into position for contact by the rollers 39 of theflfuel spray valves, whereby said valves-will' be-caused to open successivelyin proper timed sequence with respect to the strokes of the pistons :63.

The tripiunit- T,-:as shown most. clearly in Figures 8 and 9, comprises an elongated head H which is angular in cross section and which has the trip block 40 slidably mounted within a groove or channel H4 provided in the outer face of the elongated head or member H5 to one end portion of which an extremity of the contact arm 33 is rigidly secured and from which said arm 33 depends. The head or member H5 has threading through one end thereof, as at H6, into the groove or channel II4 an elongated shank II1, an end portion of which freely moves through an opening I IS in the opposite end portion of the head or member H5. This shank H1 is disposed lengthwise through and rotates in the trip block 40 and moves lengthwise therewith in the channel H4.

The cross sectional configuration of the trip block 40 and the corresponding cross sectional configuration of the groove or channel I I4 is such as to hold the block 40 against turning or rotary movement upon the shank II1 yet allow said block 40 to freely move lengthwise of the groove or channel H4. In the present embodiment of the invention, this movement of the trip block 40 lengthwise of the groove or channel I I4, with the endwise movement of the shank H1, is accomplished by providing the shank H1 with the spaced surrounding collars H9 in contact with the ends of the trip block 40.

This trip block 40 extends outwardly beyond the open face of the groove or channel H4 and said outer face has its opposite end portions a inwardly beveled and providing an intermediate straight contact face portion 1) of a length to assure a fuel spray valve 31 being maintained open for a desired period of time as the roller 29 passes over this trip block 4|].

One end portion of the shank H1 is provided with a hand wheel I20 to provide means whereby the shank H1 may be rotated in a direction to selectively position the trip block 40 to advance or retard the opening of the valves 31 as may be desired. After the trip block 40 has been adjusted, it is maintained in such selected position by a binding screw I2I, Figure 8, threading into the head or member H5 and having lock- Ing contact with the shank I I1. It is to be noted that the contact arm 33 is entirely below the trip block 40 and is outwardly offset with respect to the head or member I I5.

It is believed to be apparent that the advancing or retarding of the trip block 40 will determine the opening point of each of the fuel valves 31. This trip block 40 is provided on its face with the graduations I22 extending therealong to be used as an indicator of "timing of injections and which graduations are employed in connection with an index I23 provided on the adjacent face of the head or member H5. By providing the trip block 40 with the beveled portions a, the contact of the rollers 39 therewith will be gentle or substantially shockless. As no special tripping is required for the air starting valves 30, the rollers 32 will contact the contact arm 33 throughout its length.

The member or head H5 closely adjacent to the end thereof from which the arm 33 depends is provided with a substantially perpendicularly related outstanding straight arm I24 and at the side of the member or head H5 remote from the arm 33. This arm I24 is pivotally connected, as at I25, to an upstanding bracket I26 mounted upon the pedestal 6. This arm I24 is provided therethrough with an opening I21 to register with the openings I28 in the arms of the bracket 10 I26 to permit a cotter pin I29 or the like to be inserted through the said registering openings I21 and I28 when the member or head H5 is so placed as to have the trip block 43 in running position with respect to the rollers 39 for the valves 31.

When the trip block 4!} is in running position, the contact arm 33 is in a position to avoid contact with the rollers 32 associated with the air starting valves 39. The arm I24 is provided with an upstanding hand-grasp I30 whereby, with the cotter pin I29 removed, the member or head H5 may be readily swung or moved in position to bring the contact arm 33 in place to be contacted by the rollers 32 and at the same time move the trip block away into an ineffective position. This adjustment can be readily effected as it is employed upon the starting of the unit and at which time the rotor block R is stationary. After the rotor block R has rotated sufficiently to assure the desired ignition of the fuel charge, the member or head H5 is returned and locked in its first position with, of course, the trip block 49 in effective or working location.

While the unit as hereinbefore described has been particularly referred to as being employed in connection with an electrical generating means yet it is to be stated that it is within the concept of the invention to eliminate such generating means if desired and employ the engine to deliver power directly from the rotating parts, as, for example, from the take-off pulley 90.

It is believed to be clearly apparent from the foregoing that the power unit herein embodied eliminates the necessity of a fly wheel since the rotor block R, effectively serves as a fly wheel and assures the unit operating smoothly and in a non-pulsating manner. On the back or instroke of the pistons 63, the air remaining in the cylinders I1 is compressed to several hundred pounds pressure and with a corresponding temperature that will ignite the incoming fuel oil spray.

It is also to be pointed out that wherever required suitable packing will be provided as the requirements of practice may deem necessary.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a power generating unit constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated.

I claim:

1. In a power unit comprising, a, rotor, a tubular shaft therefor, cylinders carried by the rotor around the shaft and substantially parallel to the axis of the shaft and pistons reciprocating within the cylinders; means forming a driving connection between the pistons and rotor for effecting turning of the rotor and shaft, a manifold carried by and surrounding the shaft to one side of the rotor, normally closed tubular means connecting said manifold with each of the cylinders, a fuel line leading from a source of supply and extending within the shaft and leading to and having communication with the manifold, a second manifold rotating with the shaft, a line leading from a source of air under pressure and extending through the shaft to the second manifold, tubular connecting means between each of the cylinders and the second manifold, both of said connecting means being normally closed, and a means common to the two connecting means for selectively opening the connecting means between one manifold and the cylinders when the means for opening the connecting means between the other manifold and the cylinders is closed.

2. In a power unit, a tubular shaft, a rotor mounted thereon for rotation therewith, bear.- ings for the shaft, cylinders carried by the rotor around the-shaft, pistons working in the cylinders, means operatively coupling-the pistons with the rotor for turning the latter, a fuel manifold rotating with the shaft, means for admitting fuel from'the manifold to the cylinders in timed sequence, a pipe line 7 extending into the shaft lengthwise thereof and leading to the manifold, said pipe line extending outwardly beyond an end of the shaft, a fuel reservoir carried by a bearing with which the outer portion of-the pipe line communicates; an air manifold rotating with the shaft, means foradmitting air from the air manifold to the cylinders when the fuel admitting means is inoperative, a pipe line extending through the sh'aft and through the first pipe line and leadingto'the air manifold, and an air pressure reservoir carried by a bearing with which the second named pipe line communicates.

3. In a power unit, a tubular shaft, a rotor mounted thereonfor rotation therewith, bearings for the shaft, cylinders carried by the rotor around the shaft, pistons working in the cylinders, means operatively coupling the pistons-with the rotor for turning the latter, a fuelmanifold rotating-with the shaft, means for admitting fuel from the manifold to the cylinders in timed sequence, a pipe line extending into the shaft lengthwise thereof and leading to the manifold, said pipe line extending outwardly beyond anend of the shaft, a fuel reservoir carried'by a bearing with which the'outer portion of thepipe line communicates, an air manifold rotating'with' theshaft, means for admitting air from the air manifold to the cylinders when the fuel admitting means is inoperative, a pipe line extending'through the shaft and through the first pipe line .and leading to the air manifold, an air pressure reservoir carried by a bearing with which the second named pipe line communicates, a water jacketsurrounding each of said cylinders, a water conducting pipe within the shaft and surrounding the'ma'jor'portions of the pipe linestherein for conducting water into the jackets, and meansv spacing'said water conductingpipefrom the encasing shaft, the space between said waterconducting pipe and the shaft providing means for conducting water away from said jackets.

4. In a power unit, a tubular shaft; a rotor mounted thereonifor rotation therewith, .bearings for theshaft, cylinders carried by the rotor around the shaft, pistons working in'the cylinders,means operatively coupling" the :pistons "with the rotor for turning 'thelatter, a fuel manifold rotating with the shaft, means for admitting fuel from the manifold to the cylinders in: timed sequence, a pipe line extending into the shaft lengthwise thereof and leading to the manifold, saidpipe line extending outwardly'beyond an end of the shaft, a fuel reservoir carried by a bearing with which the outer portion of the pipe line communicates, an air manifold rotatingwith the shaft, means for admitting air'from the'air manifold to the cylinders when the fuel admitting means is inoperative, a pipe lineextending through'the shaft and through the first pipe line and leading to the air manifold, an air pressure reservoir carried by a bearing with which the second named pipe line communicates, and a water jacket within the shaft and surrounding the major portions of the 12 pipelines therein, the rotor having water 5 circulating passages in communication with" the water jacket and with -the' space between'the water jacket and the inner wall of the shaft.

51 In a power unit, a rotor body, cylinders carried by the rotorbody'at points spaced-therearound and disposedsubstantially parallel to the axis of the rotorbody, pistons working in the cylinders, operativeconnections between the pistons and the rotor' body for effecting turningof the body, fuel lines delivering to'the cylinders, normally closed valves for said lines, air pressure lines delivering to the cylinders,- normally closed valves-forsaid air lines, said" lines andvalves rotating with the-rotor,- th'e-valves for the fuel lines being radially spaced with respect'to the valves for theair lines, both'setscfvalves having operating'stems extending exteriorlyof the lines, a movable member-supported adjacent to the outer'ends of the stems of the valves, means car ried by said movable member when said member is inone'position' for 'coaction with the stems'of the valves in thefuel lines for successively opening said valves as the'rotor body rotates, and means carried by said movable=memberfor coaction with' the stems of the valves of the air lines for opening such valves whenthe member is in a. secondposition.

6. In a power unit, a rotor body, cylinders car riedby the rotor body at points'spaced therearound and disposed'substantially parallel to the axis-of the rotor body,- pistons working in the cylinders; operative connections between the pistons and rotorbodyfor effecting turning of the body, 'fuel lines delivering tothe cylinders, normally closed valves fo'r said lines, air pressure lines delivering to the cylinders, normally closed valves.for said air lines," said'linesand valves rotating withtherotor; the valves. for'the'fuel lines'being radiallyispaced;.withrespect to the valves for the airlines; both sets of valves having operating stems extending. exteriorly of the lines, a movable member supported .adjacent to the outer ends of the stemsof the valves; means carried by said movablemember when said member is. in one position for coaction with the stems of the valves inthe fuel lines for successively open.- ingasaidflvalves as the-rotor body rotates, and means carried by said movablemember for coactionwiththe-stems of thevalves ofthe airlines for-opening such valves when the member is in a second position, said last named means-being ineifective when thefirst-named, means is effectiveand vice versa;

7. In a power unitya-rotor body, -;cylinders carried. by the *rotor body; at I points spaced therearound and disposed. substantially parallel to "the axis of-ithe-rotor body, pistons working in the cylinders, operative :connections :between the pistonsiand the rotoribodyfor-effecting turning'of the'body,-rfuel' lines delivering" to .the cylinders, normally closedZvalves'-forsaidlines, air pressure lines delivering to the cylinders, normally :closed valves for said air lines, saidlines and :valves rotating with the-rotor, thevalves' for the fuel lines being radially spaced with respect to the valves for theairlines, both sets of valves having operating stems extending exteriorlyof the-lines, a movable member supported adjacent to the outer ends of the stems of the -valves, means car-'- riedby said'movable-member when said member is in one position for "co-action with the'stems'of the-valves in thefuel'lines for successively open= ing'saidvalvesas the rotor body'rotates, and

means carried by said movable member for coac- REFERENCES CITED tion with the stems of the valves of the air lines The knowing references are of record in the for opening such valves when the member is in a file of this patent. second position, the means for opening the valves of the air lines, when effective, maintaining open 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS at the same time a plurality of such valves. Number Name Date 1,265,029 Anderson Ma 7, 1918 FRANK S. STRITE. y

1,609,094 Smith Nov. 30, 1926 

